The King’s Noyse recreates the popular Renaissance violin band,
fabulous entertainer of the rich and poor alike in 16th- and 17th-century
Europe. The innovative fiddlers play on a set, or noyse, of Renassaince-style
violins of all sizes, the only set of its kind in North America and crafted
especially for this ensemble. Called a “first-rate period instrument
group” by The New York Times, the core ensemble of five string players
and soprano soloist Ellen Hargis is joined by Paul O’Dette, the
most famous contemporary lutenist. The ensemble will perform the music
of John Dowland. Renowned for its sad charms, Dowland’s music was
popular during the Renaissance. His work reaches across the divide of
the centuries to our deepest emotions.